“No, I do not.” Little Beaver spoke slowly. His tone suggested the girl’s dig had hit home. Nandita knew her stepson had conflicted feelings over not living on the reservation. All free Indians did. She was tempted to say something but it wasn’t her fight. She waited for Little Beaver to speak.
“I didn’t betray my people.”
“Didn’t you. You could have come to the reservation. Maybe if you had, you could have stopped…” The girl put a hand to her mouth in horror, her eyes giving away her secret.
Nandita didn’t want to breathe.
The mask of anger fell immediately from Little Beaver’s face. He took a step toward the girl but she shrank back from his touch.
“Are you saying you were forced?”
The girl didn’t say anything. She stared at the floor.
“Asha. I command you to tell me the truth.”
At that, the girl glared at him once more. “What right do you have to command me? Why are you men all the same? You just take what you want. You expect us women to put up with it.”
“Tell me.” Little Beaver almost roared as Nandita caught and squeezed his arm. His voice immediately dropped and he took the tone he would use with a skittish horse. “Please share your story. Now, before our white friends come back.”
“How can you trust them? No white person is to be trusted.” She spat at the ground.
“They are not like him. The people here are our friends, and they will be your friend too. But we have to know the full story. This man may come to hurt my friends. I have to know everything to protect them.”
“You want me to tell you my story so you can protect white people. You want me to disgrace myself further. No!”
“Please, Asha. Let me help. You know how it is with my heart.”
“You do not care for me. Not anymore. I am ruined. I will kill this man and then myself. That is the way it will happen.”
“No! I won’t let that happen.” Little Beaver breathed hard obviously trying to gain control of his temper. “I am not like him. I want to know what happened so I can avenge you.”
“That is not your right. I will kill him but first I have to get rid of this. It is making me weak.” The girl turned her back to them as if she intended to fall asleep.
Nandita stood with tears streaming down her face. She didn’t want to hear the girl’s full story sensing it would be more horrible than anything she could imagine. At the same time, Little Beaver was right.
She wished Frank would come back. Her husband’s arms were broad enough to shut out the horrors of the past few days, if only for a little while. She guessed he was giving her space to sort out her family. Her stepson needed her and so did his girl. The girl lying in front of her was important to Little Beaver despite his protests. She wasn’t about to let either of them down.
“Little Beaver, enough. Asha needs to rest and so do I.”
Little Beaver looked mutinous. She thought he might refuse but he took a step away. Gently, she touched his arm wishing she could comfort him like she would her own children but realizing he would not thank her. “Tomorrow will bring the full story.”
He didn’t say anything, his face once more a mask. But he didn’t shrug off her touch either. She patted him on the arm before bending down to tuck the blankets in around Asha. She guessed the girl wasn’t sleeping but let her believe her ruse had worked. Her stepson walked away quietly, the faint squeak of the barn door closing in his wake.
Chapter 13
Laura watched Victoria as she slept. She couldn’t believe this little girl was hers. Her baby. She wiggled herself further up in the bed ignoring the pain across her midsection. Nandita looked up from where she had been snoozing by the fire.
“You shouldn’t move much, Laura. The wound has to heal.”
“I know, Nandita. I’m sorry, but I just love holding her close. She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
Nandita smiled, gently stroking the sleeping child’s face. Every mother thought their baby was the best. It was nature’s way.
“I will take her now. You need to rest.” Nandita thought her friend was too pale and her eyes looked feverish.
Reluctantly, Laura handed over the baby. “I’ll try but when I close my eyes, I get scared. She might not be here when I wake up.”
“If she isn’t, it is only because we have taken her outside to let you rest better. Her daddy wants to cuddle her too and show her off to his friends.” Nandita made her tone as cheerful as possible. She didn’t want to alarm Laura who seemed to have no understanding of how ill she was.
Laura’s eyes closed.
Nandita put the child into the little crib Paul had fashioned out of wood. She tucked her up gently before returning her attention to Laura. She checked her wound hoping the angry redness had died down. It hadn’t. She needed some healing herbs. When Wilma or Mrs. Grey came, she would go out to gather some. She racked her brain trying to think of other remedies the Medicine Man had used. How she wished he was here. Laura may need more help than she had to give.
Mrs. Grey arrived soon after ten in the morning. “How is she this morning?”
Nandita’s look wiped the smile from the older woman’s face. “What's wrong?”
“She has a fever and the wound looks worse than yesterday. I have to go find some herbs to help fight the infection.”
“Speak to Wilma. She used something when Victoria was first born. Perhaps the two of you can combine your knowledge.”
Nandita looked at Mrs. Grey with more respect. She hadn't had much contact with the woman until Samuel and Ellen got burnt. She had thought her small minded and mean. How wrong she was. The woman was willing to try anything if there was a chance it would help her patient. She had an open mind. Her crusty exterior was a protection Nandita guessed. She tried to hide her heart from being hurt. Someone had treated this older woman badly.
Nandita went off to find Wilma. It wasn’t just Negros and Indians who could suffer bad treatment. Laura was testament to that and perhaps Mrs. Grey too.
She found Wilma with Asha. The young Indian girl was getting stronger. Wilma was good for the girl. She didn't suffocate her as Mary would have done. Mary was tender hearted but soft. Wilma would be hard when the occasion warranted it.
“Wilma, Laura’s wound isn’t healing as it should. I have tried the herbs I usually use but it doesn’t look like they are working. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I could use something Granny taught me. She was the wise woman on the plantation I grew up on. She used it on the men's backs after they had been hurt. It worked well but I ain’t never used it on a woman. It’s stronger than the one I used on Miss Laura. Granny said it should only be used if really necessary.”
“We should use it. We have to help Laura fight this. Do you know what you need? Do the plants grow around here?”
“Yes, I've seen them in the woods.” Wilma picked up her thick shawl.
Nandita spoke to Asha in their own tongue explaining what they were going to do. Asha offered to come with them but she was too weak. Nandita told her to rest or Wilma would be cross with Nandita. For the first time Asha smiled.
They walked in companionable silence. Nandita guessed Wilma was worried about Laura. She shared Wilma’s concerns but she worried about her stepson and the girl they sheltered too. She didn’t want to speak about it though so was glad Wilma didn’t ask.
They found the herbs Wilma suggested. Nandita watched closely as the other woman made up the mixture. She could see why Wilma had been reluctant. The medicine man had warned Nandita those particular herbs were very strong. It was risky but they had to do something.
Mrs. Grey was waiting for them when they came back her face troubled. “Her fever has risen and I can’t get it to come down. Paul took Victoria up to Mary. Laura is crying for her. I couldn’t leave her alone.”
“You go find Victoria and bring her back. We don’t need Miss Laura upset. Nandita and I will look after her,” Wilma said, her to
ne reassuring as she patted Mrs. Grey on the back. Nandita wasn’t sure whether Wilma was feeling confident or putting on an act of bravery. She hoped for Laura’s sake and that of all her friends, it was the former.
Chapter 14
Asha stayed for almost a week at the Sullivan ranch. Wilma stayed with her and spent her time looking after her and Laura. Laura was recovering, albeit slowly. Asha helped look after Laura but nothing would convince her to hold Victoria.
Ma Kelley arrived unexpectedly one afternoon. Davy sent Ben to warn Wilma to send Asha to the big house. Ma Kelley wouldn’t have any reason to call to see Mary. They weren’t close.
The woman wasn’t welcome. Wilma had been told how she had treated Laura. Ma Kelley handed Wilma her shawl and bonnet as if she had grown up in a house of servants. Her intention was clear. Plainly, she didn’t view Wilma as her equal.
“Where’s this grandchild of mine then? The least you could have done was take her out to see me. An invalid like me shouldn’t be forced to go visiting.”
Wilma bit back her retort as Laura fired her a look.
“She’s right here, Ma. A little darling, she is too. We named her Victoria.”
“After your mother I suppose. Oh no, I forgot. You didn’t know your ma did ya?”
Wilma walked out of the bedroom at that point. She would do anything for Laura but that woman needed a good slap. She busied herself making tea hoping Ben had found Paul and would bring him back. Ben had told her Davy had suggested Paul might need to be present. Wilma allowed herself a smile. Mr. Davy knew her well. He knew she wouldn’t let that woman walk over her precious girl and the young’un she considered as close to a grandchild as she was likely to have.
The door opened to admit Paul carrying a pie. “Mrs. Higgins said it might help sweeten things up.”
“Mr. Paul, a whole mountain of sugar ain't going to make your Ma sweet. She’s already upset Laura.”
Paul sighed before squeezing Wilma on the shoulder. He pushed the bedroom door open as silently as possible just in time to hear his ma say.
“Pity she isn’t a boy. My son wanted a boy real bad. To carry on the family name an all. Not that you would understand that, you being an…”
“Goodbye, Ma. Thank you for coming by but my amazing wife and daughter need their rest.”
Wilma, listening at the door, had to hide her face in her apron for fear she would burst out laughing at the look on Ma Kelley’s face.
“Paul, it’s alright. Your Ma didn’t mean any…” Laura protested weakly.
“Oh she meant every word, didn’t you, Ma? You couldn’t wait to come here spreading your evilness. Get out.” Paul walked closer to the bed. “Wilma will show you out.”
“With pleasure, Mr. Paul. This way, Mrs. Kelley.”
“Well that just takes the biscuit. After me getting out of my sick bed to come visiting. I was just saying it’s a pity she can’t have more kids. A girl isn’t worth anything to anyone.”
“This is my family. If my daughter grows up with half her ma’s spirit, she will be an incredible woman. Now get out. Don’t come back.”
Paul turned his back on his mother, lifting his daughter out of her cot and singing to her. Wilma’s heart swelled with pride. Laura was upset at the thought of no more children, she didn’t need this old bag visiting her.
Wilma watched from the door as Ma Kelley huffed and puffed her way to the wagon.
“She didn’t stay long,” Mary said. She was bringing lunch courtesy of Mrs. Higgins.
“She stayed long enough to spread her poison. Laura don’t need visitors like her. But Paul, he ran her off and told her not to come back.” Wilma scowled as she watched the woman drive the wagon until she was out of sight.
“Good for Paul. Never ceases to amaze me that fine man is related to that horrible woman. At least she didn’t see Asha. Can’t bear to think of what trouble she could cause for her.”
“Mary, we got to hide Asha somewhere else. It’s not safe here. Too many people may come calling to see the baby. If Mrs. Shaw or that Ida Hawthorn come visiting, the cat would be out of the bag.”
“Where can she go? The soldiers will check Nandita’s house for sure and probably Sorcha’s too given Brian’s kinship with Nandita. Katie could do it but the store probably isn’t a good place. They would lose their livelihood if the soldiers came in and shut them down.”
“There’s the orphanage. I could take her home with me. She can share my room.”
Mary grabbed Wilma’s hands. “That’s a wonderful idea. They wouldn’t think we would hide a fugitive right in the middle of town. I am going to go tell Davy.”
Mary thrust the lunch basket on the table and ran out to find Davy. Wilma chuckled. Sometimes you wouldn’t think Mary was a grown married woman with two children of her own, Ben and baby Cathy. In ways, she was so impulsive just like a child. Her heart was as big and innocent as a child’s too. Wilma hoped she would never change. She sighed as she set the lunch out for her little family. She could hear Paul murmuring to Laura, reassuring her how much he loved her.
Wilma slipped out the door. It was time to leave the three of them alone. They needed to bond as a family.
It was agreed to move Asha into the orphanage when darkness fell. Davy and Aaron drove the wagon along with some supplies. They had a good excuse for visiting late at night. Everyone knew the two men helped Samuel with chores such as gathering lumber. Nobody told Little Beaver. He would only insist on accompanying them and so jeopardize his position as deputy sheriff.
Chapter 15
Laura’s house, Sullivan Ranch
“She’s gorgeous, Miss Laura. Going to grow up as pretty as her mama.”
“I just want her to be happy and healthy, Wilma.”
“I knows that and I want it too. But it helps a girl to be pretty.” Wilma winked at Laura glad to see she was laughing. It was amazing how much better she looked than a couple of days ago.
“Wilma, come here and sit beside me. I want to thank you for what you did for me. You were amazing. You, Mrs. Grey and of course Nandita. I owe you my life. And Victoria’s.”
“You don’t owe me nothing Miss Laura. You my family and now I have a grandchild. Well, not a proper one but as close as can be.” Wilma patted Laura’s hand.
“Wilma, do you think God is punishing me for the mistakes I made?” Laura whispered pulling at a thread in the quilt.
“Now you listen to me, Miss Laura. You listen good. I don’t know much about this God of yours but I know he wouldn’t do something like that. He is not mean. He loves you.”
“I can’t have any more babies. Paul would like a son.” One tear slipped down Laura’s face closely followed by another one.
“Paul Kelley is as happy as a pig in a barrel of muck make no mistake about it. He don’t want nothing but for you and Victoria to be healthy and happy.”
“But his ma said...”
“Miss Laura, you know I loves you more than anyone else. Don’t ya?”
Laura nodded.
“Well then, you won’t take offense when I say you’re a ninny if you take any notice of that old witch. She’s got a heart full of hatred for everybody and everything. She don’t know how to be happy. She just jealous her boy chose you.”
“You really mean that, Wilma.”
“About Ma Kelley. Absolutely, I mean it.”
Laura smiled. “No, Wilma, about Paul not caring. I couldn’t bear to lose him. You hear of men divorcing their wives for not giving them a son.”
“Miss Laura, that’s not your heart speaking. That man loves the ground you walk on. Divorce. The thought never crossed his head. You listen to ole Wilma. You got to put those thoughts out of your mind and concentrate on getting better.”
Laura wiped her tears away.
“You make me a promise girl. You never believe anything anyone tells you about what Paul wants. You know your husband and his heart. Trust yourself, him and your God. He will look after everything.”
Laura cocked her head on her shoulder, her eyes gleaming.
“What? I got a spider in my hair? What you looking at me like that for?”
“Wilma, I do believe you have found God since you came to Clover Springs.”
Wilma nearly jumped off the bed. “Now you is talking crazy. I tole you once and I tole you a thousand times. I don’t believe in anything I can’t see with my own eyes.”
“That's fine, Wilma,” Laura said sleepily. “’Cause He is all around you plain as the eye can see.”
With that, Laura fell asleep leaving Wilma looking wide eyed around her. Was he really here? Had he heard what she said? Tarnation anyway, why did Miss Laura have to bring Him into it.
Chapter 16
Asha proved to be a welcome addition to the orphanage. The children adored her. Playing with them was the only time the girl let her guard down and smiled. Rosa and John accepted Asha without questions as was the way of children.
They hadn’t been able to keep Asha’s location a secret from Little Beaver for long. He called to the orphanage regularly. Ellen smiled thinking of his many different excuses. They ranged from checking on John and Rosa to having to inspect the area as part of his duties as deputy sheriff. He never asked to speak to Asha and the Indian girl pretended he didn’t exist. It pained Ellen to see two people who obviously cared about each other behave that way.
“Little Beaver, another Elk. We will have meat for three winters at this rate,” Ellen teased as the brave arrived at the orphanage, his wagon loaded with a skinned carcass.
“Miss Katie said you could sell at store.”
“People will buy Elk? Why can’t they just go shoot some?”
Little Beaver gave her a quizzical look. “Some people are lazy. They do not have patience to hunt. Miss Katie also said people would buy other things.”
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